OBJECTIVES: Management of chronic nonmalignant pain (CNMP) is important in both primary care and rehabilitative medicine however, the relationships between CNMP and the diverse types of addiction and chemical dependency are often complex and clinically relevant.  The objective of this pilot study was to examine the impact of the Functional Restoration and Pain Management (FRPM) Program on pain severity outcomes and controlled medication use among CNMP patients enrolled in the Texas Workers Compensation (TWC) benefit program. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of administrative claims and medical records data was conducted among TWC chronic pain patients enrolled in the FRPM Program receiving buprenorphine therapy.  Prescription utilization patterns and pain severity outcomes during a 12-month observation period were examined.  Eligible patients were ≥18 years of age, continuously enrolled as TWC beneficiaries, had a history of utilization of chronic pain medications at enrollment, placed on buprenorphine therapy, and received services through the FRPM program within the observation period defined as date from patient entry into the program to 12 months post-enrollment. RESULTS: The mean age of eligible participants (N=18) enrolled in the pilot study was 49.6 years ±9.5.  A majority of patients were male (61%), white (61%), had a chronic pain lumbar diagnosis (45%), depression comorbidity (78%), and a substance abuse disorder (39%).  Overall, patients showed a significant reduction in pain scores (p=0.032) at month 12 compared to baseline.  For controlled medication utilization, there was a significant difference in narcotic pain medication use reduction in Hispanics/Latinos (p=0.033) compared to other racial/ethnic groups (i.e., Whites and African-Americans) at month 12 compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Though a pilot study, the results suggest that the FRPM program has the potential of improving health outcomes of patients with chronic pain, while reducing their use of controlled medications.  A larger follow-up study is needed to validate and expand on these preliminary findings.